About

I started printmaking in 2002 while I was living in Venice. Fascinated by the many dark inky print studios, I learnt etching, mezzotint, and woodcut at Stamperia Albrizzi and Stamperia del Tintoretto. When I returned to Devon in 2005 I carried on printmaking at Double Elephant Print Workshop in Exeter, and took on the role of Outreach Coordinator as well as one of the five directors.

I use portable presses and printmaking equipment to take printing out of the studio and to groups who couldn’t otherwise access it – schools, prisons, hospitals, galleries, festivals and community groups. In 2008 I established a Print-on-Prescription scheme to give adults dealing with mental health issues the opportunity to explore printmaking on a weekly basis and use professional printmaking facilities.

I’ve undertaken commissions and residencies with a variety of heritage, education and contemporary art spaces – Preston Manor in Brighton, Historic Royal Palaces, Kensington Palace, The Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award at The Art Room in Oxford, Axminster Heritage Centre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and smaller businesses as well.

Most of my work incorporates monotypes which I combine with screen printing as it enables me to use both flat colour, delicate patterns, drawings and to repeat designs on fabric and paper.

My wallpaper is inspired by the European tradition of papercut silhouettes. I like the restrictive nature of drawing with scissors and blades. I don’t want to stray too far from the tactile process of sticky black ink, damp paper and rolling plates through the press though, because that’s where the unpredictable printmaking magic takes place!

Since having my son and moving into more even rural Devon, I’ve started experimenting with printing from home as much as possible…keeping it simple with drypoint and small linocuts. Kitchen table printmaking!